Introduction
David Smith was appointed to the Camden Fire Department in 1920. He had previously served for three years in the United States Army. In September of 1920 he was assigned to Ladder Company 4, at South 10th and Morgan Streets, where he remained through at least the end of 1934.
Still working as a Camden fire fighter, David Smith died on March 7, 1941 at the age of 56, the day after being admitted to the hospital with an internal ailment. He had been living at 554 South 6th Street, survived by his wife and six children. He was also survived by his nephew, Sgt. Ray Smith.
MANY TRANSFERS OF CITY FIREMEN
Camden Daily Courier —
Forces At Various Stations Changed By Most Recent Orders
16 GO TO FAIRVIEW HOUSE
Recent changes in the fire department announced have provided for the transfer of twenty men and the appointment of fourteen during the week to various fire houses in the city.
Sixteen of the men were transferred and given appointments to the two new companies formed to protect Fairview and Yorkship Village. The transfers and appointments went into effect Wednesday.
The following men received transfers and appointments to Engine Company 10, one of the new companies: Horace Calera, captain; William Miller, lieutenant; Harry Selby, engineer; Charles Gaul, stoker; Spencer Smith, H. Walton, Rocco Fanelli and H. Zanders, hosemen.
Truck Company 4, the other new company, at Ninth and Morgan Streets, received the following men: Mordecai Clark, captain; James McDermott, lieutenant; James Durkin, driver; Frank Burt, George C. Wade, Samuel Felton, William Reynolds and Harry Hallo-well.
Farrington and H. Bomgartel, new men, were appointed to Hook and Ladder Company 1, to fill the vacancies left by James McDermott and George C. Wade.
Go to Company No. 1
The following men received appointments to Engine Company 1: Walter Carter, George Henry Johnson, Lewis D. Stevens, Rocco Tribuett and Benjamin Walters. W. Scott Franklin was transferred from Company 5 to Engine Company 1 as lieutenant. George Gall was transferred from Company 1 to Company 5 as stoker. Joseph Daley, of Company 5, was transferred to Engine Company 2 to fill the vacancy left by Harry Selby, who was transferred to Company 10.
Anthony Valentine and David Smith were transferred to Company 3, in place of William Miller and Charles Gaul, who were transferred to Company 10.
J. Lumbago was transferred to Company 7, in place of David Smith. George Puroglove and John Hunt were transferred to Company 8. Robert Glcks was transferred from Hose and Chemical Company 2 to Company 9, in place of William Reynolds, who was transferred to Company 10.
Nelson Till was appointed to the place left vacant by Robert Glcks, of Hose and Chemical Company 2.
man Kreber was made lieutenant of Hose and Chemical Company 2.
CAMDEN BUSINESS BLOCK THREATENED
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Flames Cause $28,000 Loss in Two Kaighn Avenue Stores—Fireman Injured
Private Watchman Shot by Negro Robbers Has Fighting Chance for Life
Two firemen were injured, another was overcome by smoke, and damage to the extent of $28,000 was caused by flames which early yesterday morning threatened to destroy the entire retail business block on Kaighn avenue between Broadway and Fourth streets, Camden. Starting in the men’s furnishing store of Neil Zeidman, 437 Kaighn avenue, and spreading to the Almar store, at 439 Kaighn avenue, the flames appeared so menacing that Chief Carter sent in a second alarm. The fire was confined to the two stores. Zeidman places his loss at $25,000, principally on stock. The Almar store was damaged to the extent of $3000.
Fire Lieutenant Harry Chambers, of 972 South Eighth street, was overcome by smoke. David Smith and Charles Haines, hosemen, were knocked down by a hose getting from their grasp, the stream being turned on them. They suffered contusions and bruises. All three firemen were taken to the Homeopathic Hospital. It is thought that the fire was caused by crossed wires. Iron bars over the rear windows in the Zeidman store became charged with electricity and several firemen were shocked when the current ran down the water lines.
DAVID SMITH DIES, WAS CITY FIREMAN
Camden Courier-Post —
David Smith, 56, of 554 South Sixth street, a city fireman, died last night at West Jersey Hospital, 24 hours after he had been admitted, suffering from an internal condition.
Mr. Smith, an uncle of Sergeant Ray Smith, Courier-Post reporter, had been a member of the fire department since 1920. A native of this city, he served a three-year enlistment in the Army before becoming a fireman. He is survived by his widow, Emma, five sons and a daughter and two grandchildren. His children are David, Jr., John, Leon, Horace, Earl and Anna Smith.